Jonathan Mueke at the Kitengela Prison Leather Tannery.

Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development aims to double leather production by the end of 2024, according to reports in the Kenyan press.

The plan, in collaboration with the private sector, is proposing to create approximately 100,000 new jobs while also growing production of leather-related products such as shoes in a country that currently produces eight million pairs annually, reported The Star.

Speaking during a tour of the Kitengela Prison Leather Tannery, livestock development principal secretary, Jonathan Mueke, said: “As we are reviving the leather sector, we found that there is a huge demand for leather finished goods in Kenya, so we are working with the private sector to increase value addition and create jobs.”

The country-wide tannery revival plan, which will involve inspection and upgrading of all tanneries, beginning with the Kitengela tannery. According to the Kenya Leather Development Council, there are currently 15 tanneries across the country.

Additionally, the plans include putting in place training programmes for leather technicians on modern leather making and technology.